MANAGER Ashley Vincent revealed 40-goal Demetri Brown had rejected “offers to play at higher levels” to agree a switch to Worcester City.

The hitman top scored in Tividale’s march to the West Midlands (Regional) League title last term with 32 of his strikes coming in the Premier Division.

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It was a bumper haul that saw Brown’s tally for Tivi grow to 70 goals in 116 games since 2015 with spells at Sutton Coldfield Town, AFC Wulfrunians and Coventry Sphinx woven in.

Undoubtedly the best campaign of his career saw Vincent track the hotshot in his role as City’s assistant manager before making the call to Brown shortly after taking over from John Snape.

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“I saw him play on numerous occasions last season and earmarked him as someone Worcester City could do with,” said Vincent.

“Events unfolded as they did and I met with Demetri pretty much straight away, he lives near to me and was happy to have a chat.

“His goalscoring speaks for itself and on top of that he is quick and strong but above all he has a big heart. He wants to put himself about, work hard, learn and progress.

“He is a really good age as well, young enough to improve but old enough to know his game and how to get the best out of himself in a team environment.

“People will see the speed and strength above everything else but that want and willingness is the key for me, you need people who are never happy with what they have.

“He had offers to play at higher levels this summer but believes this is the right step to take him to where he wants to go long-term and that I can help him do that.

“I know the goals came at the level below ours but they prove he knows where the net is and it is down to me to put him in a team and system that can create chances for him and the other way around.

“On the three occasions I have seen him play he has scored but also set up two as well. He is a right handful and a good asset for us.”

Brown is the second recruit and 12th player announced as committed to the club for 2019-20, although he will not join the four City players on contracts for now. 

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“It is not something we have discussed yet,” said Vincent. 

“We have a gentleman’s agreement, that’s something we may look at down the line if it suits both parties but we are both comfortable with the fact he wants to play for Worcester City and that I want him in the door.”

Midfielder Josh Willis has also committed his future and is set to become the fifth to pen contract terms imminently.

  • City has announced a six-match pre-season schedule which ends with a tantalising derby against Bromsgrove Sporting. 

It starts at Bewdley Town on Saturday, July 6 before heading to Pershore Town on Saturday, July 13. 

A trip to Southern Premier Central play-off qualifiers and League Cup winners Stratford Town follows on Tuesday, July 16 followed by Rushall Olympic at home on Saturday, July 20. 

Cradley Town away is on Tuesday, July 23 ahead of Sporting on Saturday, July 27.

The Midland Football League season starts on Saturday, August 3 with the FA Cup kicking in for City on Saturday, August 10.